Every Life Secure!

Hurricanes and Other Disasters - Shop Before, Not After

If you are new to the hurricane game, here is a bit of advice from sad experience... "Shop before, not after."  People are probably a lot smarter today than my family was 40 years ago (a lot more media today), but it's worth passing along some wisdom for those who may not have experienced a hurricane (or other natural disaster) before.

While living in the Philippines in 1970, we experienced Typhoon Yoling.  A typhoon is the Asian version of a hurricane.  With winds at 130 MPH plus it was a harrowing experience.  This was our very first experience with such a storm.  We really did not know what we were doing.

We survived the storm and immediately hopped in the car to go to the grocery store.  Somehow we dodged downed trees and roof tops ripped from houses and strewn on the ground and actually arrived at the local grocery store.  The store was lit only by candles placed strategically on certain shelves and at the checkouts.  They may as well not have bothered with the candles because there was nothing left to buy.  The shelves were totally empty except for, as I remember it, a bottle of pickled pigs feet (literally).

I will never forget the site of a full size grocery store empty but for a few orphan items that no one considered particulary helpful after a monster storm. As I recall we bought nothing because there was nothing to buy - we missed the boat. We lived for the next two weeks mostly on the rice we had stored, whatever canned goods were in our pantry, and what we could rapidly eat up from our refrigerator and freezer.  This was a true survival experience.  It was around Thanksgiving time and so we cooked our turkey on a barbecue grill.  It was that or have it go bad as there was no electricity or running water for two weeks.

I'm sure that today everyone would understand that job one, well before landfall of a hurricane, is to stock up with needed groceries and supplies.  This is a lesson I will not need reinforced.  I will forever have the image of a single candle burning next to a single bottle of pickled pigs feet etched in my mind.

The time for preparation is "before the storm".  As applied to any potential disaster, shop before, not after.  Since many disasters do not give the lead-time that is often a luxury with a slowly approaching hurricane, there won't be time to get ahead of the disaster.  An earthquake, for example, will usually hit without warning.  The time to prepare and "shop" is right now perhaps days, weeks, months, or years before the need arises.  Now is the time to get your emergency kit and emergency supplies and then keep them up to date so you don't find yourself trying to shop empty shelves after he fact.

Every Life Secure - Over 440,000 lives secured and counting.

Should You Evacuate In A Hurricane? If In Doubt, Get Out!

With Hurricane Irene bearing down on the East Coast, many are asking themselves if they should evacuate to safer places.  While residents should obviously pay attention to guidance from local authorities, my own experience would say, "If in doubt, get out!"  Don't mess with winds that can gust beyond 100 MPH.  The winds and the accompanying storm surges and flooding can be deadly.

I have survived a direct hit by a super typhoon (the Asian version of a hurricane) with sustained 130 MPH winds.  I did this with my family in a house with a corrugated tin roof and large glass sliding doors.  It is amazing that we made it through without any injuries.  Not all were so lucky in that same storm.  In that situation in 1970 in the Philippines, there were no evacuation shelters to go to.  Had there been, it would have been wise to have use them.

Don't mess with Category 3 and Category 4 hurricanes.  If you are in a vulnerable area or live in less than a sturdy home, evacuate.  It is simply not worth taking the chance.  Historically, many who have stayed in less than safe situations have perished, and those who did survive would often have made different choices.  I know I would today.  It is very scary and dangerous to sit out the storm. 

Once you are trapped by the high winds and accompanying water, there is little chance to change ones mind.  If you do not evacuate early, there comes a point where any attempt to evacuate only exposes you to greater risk.  So evacuate early and ensure your safety.  Don't risk staying in harms way.  

  Every Life Secure - Over 440,000 lives secured and counting.

FEMA Urging Preparedness As Hurricane Irene Approaches

As the East Coast braces for a potential Category 4 Hurricane Irene, FEMA urges preparation for evacation and shelter in place.  Don't wait until the storm surge and damaging winds hit.  Prepare now if you live on the East Coast.

If you live elsewhere, think of this as one more reminder of the importance to be prepared at any time for any emergency or disaster.

Every Life Secure - Over 440,000 lives secured and counting.

Hurricane Irene Could Be a Monster Storm on the East Coast

East Coast: Brace yourself and prepare to evacuate or shelter in place as Hurricane Irene may be a Category 4 monster storm with winds in excess of 131 MPH.  Do you have your emergency kit and emergency supplies?

Every Life Secure - 440,000 lives secured and counting.

Free LifeSecure Protective Emergency Blanket

When we introduce a new product, we are anxious to get it into the hands of our customers.  So we have decided to give away a LifeSecure Protective Emergency Blanket (Apex Technology Cover Blanket) with any purchase on www.LifeSecure.com until Thursday night - August 25th at midnight.

Simply enter the code "BlogBlanket" at the checkout.  To keep it simple, there is no minimum purchase required.  Simply buy what you need to be prepared from www.LifeSecure.com and we'll give you a blanket free.  Please, one free blanket per household or business.

Once you get your blanket, we'd love to hear what you think of it. 

Here is what I have posted on this blanket and its insect repellent cousin the LifeSecure Insect Repellent Emergency Blanket (Apex Technology Cover Blanket with SkinTex MRIII).

  Every Life Secure - Over 440,000 lives secured and counting

First An Earthquake, Now a Hurricane - Be Prepared and Hang on East Coast

Hey East Coast, don't get so focused on the ground shaking from the Virginia earthquake that you forget to prepare for the greatest hurricane threat in the last three years, Hurricane Irene.  Some forecasts are calling for Irene to strengthen to up to a Category 4 Hurricane with winds of over 155 miles per hour. Make your evacuation and shelter in place plans now. 

The combination threats that have been evidenced in both the earthquake and this hurricane, make it clear that we all need to have an emergency kit and emergency supplies ready for any emergency or disaster.  Don't wait to prepare until the threat is evident.  Be secure by being prepared at all times.

Every Life Secure

Expect Cell Phone Networks to be Clogged After An Earthquake or Other Disaster

Cell phone networks were clogged and callers had a hard time getting through after the Virginia/DC earthquake today.  As we have seen in other disasters, don't count on the ability to use your cell phone after a major disaster.  Even though this earthquake didn't bring down any cell towers, the volume of "Did you feel it?" calls quickly overwhelmed the cell phone network capacity.

This points out the need to have a plan that will allow you to respond to a disaster even if you can't use your cell phone to communicate for hours or days.  This may mean having a predesignated meeting place or an alternative contact in case of an emergency.

Every Life Secure

 

If You Live In Earthquake Country, Do You Have An Earthquake Kit?

First Question:  Do you live in earthquake country?  Simple to find the answer, just check this map.  If you live in a shaded area (most of us do) then you live in earthquake country.

 

If you do live in earthquake country then go to question #2.

Second Question: Are you prepared to survive an Earthquake?  Hopefully so.  If you are not sure (or you are quite sure that you are not),consider these earthquake survival priorities...

Priority #1: Make sure that you survive the earthquake.

Priority #2: Make sure your emergency earthquake kit survives the earthquake.

In a severe earthquake, second only to surviving yourself is making sure that your earthquake emergency survival kit makes it through the initial earthquake with your emergency supplies intact.

As we have just been reminded by earthquakes in Virginia and Colorado, we can experience earthquakes almost anywhere in the United States, and after a big earthquake you'll need to be prepared with an earthquake kit to meet your own emergency survival needs for at least 3 days (72 hours) or longer. No government is prepared to immediately meet the needs of its entire population after a devastating earthquake.

 

It is critical then that your emergency supplies be protected from the falling debris that can crush your unprotected earthquake supplies. Your earthquake kit may have adequate emergency supplies to help you survive the first few days after an earthquake, but is it built to survive the initial earthquake and to protect your supplies?

Do you have an earthquake kit that is built to survive the quake and then to help you survive?

MobileAid 3-Day Emergency Earthquake Kits for 1, 2 or 4 people provide crush-resistant protection for your emergency supplies. These kits have a super-durable aircraft grade aluminum frame that can support over 300 lbs, but which weighs less than 9 lbs. This protective frame features a perforated exoskeleton design with secure joints, and chrome-plated screws with shake-proof nylon aircraft lock nuts for extra strength.

These features mean that your emergency supplies will stand a much better chance of making it through a major earthquake undamaged in a MobileAid Emergency Earthquake Kit than will earthquake supplies stored in a regular backpack or plastic bin.

The crush-resistant frame of these MobileAid 3-Day Emergency Earthquake Kits can help get you through the earthquake while these additional features can help you cope with the aftermath until help arrives:

Compact/Comprehensive Emergency kit: emergency–grade supplies recommended by the U.S. Government and numerous others supplies for increased protection and comfort.

Quick–access organization: Emergency preparedness supplies are organized in Quick–Response vinyl–lined pouches with carrying straps. This means that you will be able to quickly identify and access your emergency supplies.

Easy–roll/flexible transport: dual 4" polyurethane wheels aid in rapid–response and climbing curbs or other uneven surfaces with little effort. In an evacuation, it will be much easier to roll your emergency supplies a long distance than it will be to carry them on your back.

Seating and gear-carrying platform: allows for people to be seated to rest and can be used to transport additional equipment and supplies (supports up to 300 lbs). These features can be critical if you are left out-of-doors and have to transport additional belongings as you find suitable shelter.

Easy identification: highly visible orange bag and flashing (red/blue) LED wheels make this earthquake kit bag easy to find and identify in a disaster.

MobileAid Emergency Earthquake Survival Kits provide superior crush protection, mobility, functionality, organization, and design. All of these features together will allow you to respond immediately, effectively and confidently to a major earthquake and its aftermath.

To help you be prepared for an earthquake, see the LifeSecure full line of earthquake preparedness kits and earthquake supplies.

If you are helping to prepare a school, workplace, or other large facility, you may need to provide emergency first aid. MobileAid Multi-function Trauma First Aid Stations featured the same crush-resistant frames as our earthquake kits and provide comprehensive trauma first aid supplies that meet OSHA guidelines and ANSI standards. These stations also feature such practical extras as a flexible stretcher and first aid flag.

MobileAid Emergency Earthquake kits and Emergency Trauma First Aid Stations can help you survive by helping your earthquake supplies survive.

Every Life Secure

 

USGS Says "Worst Is Yet to Come" in Virginia Earthquake, If it Is a Foreshock

  Head of the USGS (United States Geological Survey), Marcia McNutt, is quoted as warning that the shaking may not be over in Virginia.  She said "What the concern is, of course, is that this is a foreshock.  If it's a foreshock, then the worst is yet to come."  The magnitude 5.9 Virginia earthquake is probably plenty enough already for those who evacuated the White House, Pentagon, and the Capitol.

Every Life Secure

Twin Earthquakes In Colorado and Virginia Remind Us of the Risks Throughout the United States

A powerful 5.9 magnitude earthquake in Virgina today follows on the heels of a significant quake in Colorado last night.  These are two regions not used to significant seismic activity. 

This reminds us that much of the U.S. is at risk of significant earthquakes.  No matter where you live, you need an emergency kit and emergency supplies.  If you live an an area specifically prone to eathquakes, we recommend an earthquake kit specifically designed for such events.    Our MobileAid earthquake kits are designed to protect your supplies from falling debris and then support you in the aftermath.

No matter where you live, let these quakes be a reminder of the need to be prepared for any emergency or disaster.  Make your emergency plan and get an emergency kit today.

Every Life Secure

5.9 Earthquake Causes Evacuation at White House, Pentagon, and Capitol

A 5.9 earthquake just hit northwest of Richmond Virginia and caused building evacuations in Washington D.C. at the White House, the Pentagon, and the Capitol.  The tremor was felt as far away as New York City and Rhode Island.

Make sure you have your earthquake kit prepared as much of the United States is covered by earthquake zones.

Every Life Secure

Over 450,000 Lives Secured with Emergency Kits and Supplies!

LifeSecure has now secured over 450,000 lives in case of an emergency or disaster.  Our short term goal is to reach half a million lives secured. Our long term goal is to help make Every Life Secure.

Every Life Secure - Over 450,000 lives secured and counting.

 

Two "Real" Emergency Blankets for Real Emergencies and Disasters

The "mylar type" (space foil) emergency thermal blanket is a staple of emergency preparedness.  We sell them and include them in almost all of our emergency kits.  They are great because they are very compact, help to retain up to 90% of body heat and provide a protective waterproof and windproof barrier.  

I respect these emergency blankets for what they are and the useful (and even life saving) protection that they provide; however, for some time, I have been looking for something more, something better... 

In the aftermath of an emergency or disaster, one often would want a "real" blanket - one that gives comfort, warmth and protection with "material" and not "metal."  The foil-like emergency blankets have their place but just leave something to be desired.  So I have considered adding a "real" emergency shelter blanket to the LifeSecure and MobileAid lines. 

I have looked at small fleece and micro-fiber blankets and found the ones on the market to provide little coverage (some as small as 35" x 62") and therefore lack the ability to provide real protection to other than a small child.  I considered wool blankets, like those used in some evacuation shelters and found them to be too bulky to be ideal for including in an emergency kit.  Also, once they get wet, they have little value in protecting from the cold.  They are really better suited to use indoors - in a shelter - one may not always be so fortunate in a catastrophic disaster.

So I kept looking for a "real" blanket that would be: lightweight, compact and water resistant while providing the warmth more characteristic of a wool or wool blend shelter blanket.  I FINALLY FOUND IT!  In fact, I found what I wanted plus a version that goes beyond my initial expectations and desires to also protect from nuisance and disease carrying insects.

A friend of mine connected me with some folks who have been developing and testing two Apex Technology^TMemergency blankets for use by the US Military, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other organizations that operate in extreme conditions and provide relief in disaster and other emergency situations.  They have developed two real emergency blankets that we have just introduced in the LifeSecure line...

LifeSecure Protective Emergency Blanket (Apex Technology^TM Cover Blanket)  This is a lightweight water-resistant protective emergency blanket that warms and comforts as well as a much heavier blanket while taking only 1/3 the storage space of traditional wool and wool blend shelter blankets. Patented Apex Technology makes this full size blanket (60” x 70”) water, sand, tear, and debris resistant.

This ATCB blanket is perfect for your emergency kit because it weighs less than 1 pound and fits tightly in your bag so it takes little space and still provides the comfort and warmth of a much heavier blanket.

As excited as I am about this blanket, I am especially excited for the unique insect repllent version of the same blanket...

LifeSecure Insect Repellent Emergency Blanket (Apex Technology^TMCover Blanket with SkinTex^®MRIII)
This insect repellent emergency blanket designed to protect you from nuisance and disease-carrying insects and the elements after an emergency or disaster.Repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and other insects (including those that carry West Nile Virus and Lyme disease). This blanket is safe for human contact and is 100% DEET free.

This ATCB blanket is infused with SkinTex®MRIII, an EPA approved permethrin insect repellent used by the U.S. military and World Health Organization (WHO). Repellancy remains effective for 25 washings.

Patented Apex® Technology™ delivers the same comfort and warmth of a much heavier blanket.

To protect exposed skin not covered by the blanket, use with an insect repellent approved for direct application to skin.

Look for me post more about these two unique Apex Technology^TM Cover Blankets as I think they will begin to recognized in the emergency preparedness market as "real" emergency blankets with some real advantages.

Every Life Secure